On a Clear Day
New York VoicesDuration: 05:48
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New York Voices may lay claim to title of “tightest harmonies from an established a cappella group”. Since 1987, they have brought inspiration and joy to each of their arrangements but have announced they will retire around the end of 2026. With the standard “On a Clear Day,” several of their hallmark techniques stand out: Starting at [0:50], Kim Nazarian then Peter Eldridge sing the lyrics molto rubato, far from the beat. The full quartet launches close harmonies at [1:53] that would be challenging to hit for most vocalists. A surprise happens at [2:20]—a change in meter sub-division from triplets to straight quarter notes. Genius arranger and tenor Darmon Meader shows off his additional talent playing saxophone at [3:02]—by making his scat solo phrase like a horn. [3:55] The group segues into a big band-esque contrapuntal break… bringing us full circle to what made them noteworthy in the first place!
Posted by Scott Lichtman.
